HOW TO EAT NUTRITIOUS FOODS WHEN YOU HAVE NO APETITE 1

Posted by Golden on August 18th, 2010

Sometimes a particular ailment or treatment can affect your appetite. Though you might not feel like eating, it is essential to do what you can to keep your calorie, protein and fluid intake up while you are sick or undergoing treatment. Use these tips to help plan meals and snacks that will be more appealing to you and give you the nutrition you need to get better.

Keep in mind that in some cases, such as advanced cancer or very advanced heart disease, eating may not affect the outcome of your illness or treatment. In these settings try to follow specific dietary guidelines such as eating a variety of fruits and vegetables. Adhering to a low fat diet may not be practical. Sometimes family members can unintentionally add stress to the situation by pushing or trying to force you to eat certain foods. Ask your doctor how carefully you need to follow specific dietary guide lines.

MEALTIME:

If you feel full after eating a small amount, try eating small amounts more frequently when you do not get the urge to eat. If you never seem to feel hungry, it is often helpful to eat according to a schedule rather than to rely on appetite.

Take advantage of the times when you feel your best. Eat more when you are hungry. Many people have their best appetite in the morning when they are rested.

Limit fluids during meals, as liquids can fill you up and limit your intake of higher calorie foods. It may help to drink most of your liquids 30-60 minutes before or after meals.

Create a pleasant mealtime atmosphere. For example, use soft music, candles or nice place settings.

Vary the texture and color of foods to make the meal more appealing.

For adults, a small amount of wine before meal-if allowed by your doctor- may stimulate your appetite

Pay attention to smells, as certain scents may decrease your appetite or bring on nausea. Avoid smells that have this effect on you.

Keep snacks readily available so that you can eat when you feel up to it.

Bed time may be a good time to snack because your appetite for the next meal would not be affected.

ANYTIME: cold or room temperature foods may be more appealing, particularly if strong smells bothers you.

Experiment with foods. Once favorite foods may no longer appeal to you, while foods you were never fond of may become more appealing.

Regular moderate exercise may help stimulate your appetite. Check with your doctor for exercise limits.

Nutritional supplement or energy drinks can provide a significant amount of calories and require little or no preparation. It may be easier for you to drink rather than to eat something.